Dr. Marilyn Flores named President of San José City College

Dec 10, 2025 | Education, Latinas of Influence

Dr. Marilyn Flores named President of San José City College

A Latina of Influence, Dr. Flores, has been recognized as the Educator of the Year at the Inland Empire Hispanic Image Awards presented by Hispanic Lifestyle.

A first-generation college graduate and second-language learner herself, Dr. Flores has held a variety of leadership positions in her more-than 25 years of service within the California Community Colleges system, including most recently as superintendent/president of Rio Hondo College in Whittier, Calif.

“I am deeply honored to step into this role, and I extend my sincere thank you to the chancellor and board of trustees at SJECCD for providing me with this wonderful opportunity to lead San José City College,” Dr. Flores said. “I am honored to join an excellent team and to work alongside the students, faculty, and staff to support SJCC’s innovative work and ensure access, equity, and success for the diverse community we serve. Together, I look forward to building on the College’s strong foundation and advancing our shared mission with purpose and commitment.”

Dr. Marilyn Flores

Following a nationwide search, Dr. Flores has been named president of San José City College (SJCC).

“Dr. Flores is a distinguished educational leader with a proven track record of advancing institutions and improving student success,” said Dr. Beatriz Chaidez, San José – Evergreen Community College District (SJECCD) chancellor. “After reviewing dozens of applications from a deep and diverse pool of highly qualified candidates, conducting two rounds of interviews, and virtual candidate forums, I’m confident that we have identified the right leader for SJCC.”

Prior to her role at Rio Hondo, Dr. Flores served as interim president of Santa Ana College and vice president of academic affairs at Santiago Canyon College. Her prior experience also includes having served as both chief instructional officer and accreditation liaison officer. Her experience also includes instruction and deanships at Santiago Canyon College and Las Positas College as well as earlier leadership roles at Riverside City College.

“I am deeply honored to step into this role, and I extend my sincere thank you to the chancellor and board of trustees at SJECCD for providing me with this wonderful opportunity to lead San José City College,” Dr. Flores said. “I am honored to join an excellent team and to work alongside the students, faculty, and staff to support SJCC’s innovative work and ensure access, equity, and success for the diverse community we serve. Together, I look forward to building on the College’s strong foundation and advancing our shared mission with purpose and commitment.”

A Wheelhouse Fellow from UC Davis, Dr. Flores earned her Ph.D. in institutional leadership and policy studies from the University of California, Riverside. She also holds a master’s degree in education from UCLA and a bachelor’s degree in liberal studies with a concentration in education and Spanish, also from UC Riverside.

While her appointment was approved by the SJECCD board of trustees during its meeting on December 9, 2025, Dr. Flores is scheduled to assume her new role as SJCC president on January 12, 2026.

Inland Empire Faith, Finance and Homeownership Summit

Sep 25, 2025 | Community

ABOUT THE EVENT

Faith, Finance & Homeownership is a two-part convening focused on equipping our Inland Empire communities with tools to build and retain generational wealth. Through faith-based partnerships, financial coaching, and practical resources, the event connects families to pathways for stability and prosperity.

Presented by the Inland SoCal Housing Collective in partnership with Credit.org, BankOn Inland SoCal, Hispanic Lifestyle, and the National Foundation for Credit Counseling.

Event Overview

Morning Session (9AM–1PM)
Faith leaders, community organizations, and financial experts gather to explore:

Why financial education, homeownership, and estate planning are vital.
The role of faith partners in supporting families.
How to get started with financial coaching, safe banking, and debt management.
Building resilience through business ownership, housing stability, and church-led initiatives.
Strategies for homeownership and estate planning to retain generational wealth.

The session concludes with next steps, a resource fair, and a call to action for faith and community leaders.

Afternoon Session (1:30PM–4PM)
A broader regional convening highlighting solutions, collaboration, and action:

Why financial education and generational wealth matter for families and communities.
Access to safe banking and the support of faith coalitions.
Spotlight on organizations driving financial resilience, including housing counseling, small business development, and estate planning.
Closing discussion and survey to shape future work.

Who Should Attend

A peer to peer event, Faith, Finance & Homeownership is designed for faith leaders, community advocates, nonprofit partners, educators, housing professionals, small business owners, and residents of the Inland Empire who are passionate about building stronger, financially resilient families. This convening is ideal for anyone seeking practical tools to support their congregation or community in achieving financial stability, homeownership, estate planning, and generational wealth.

LOCATION
California Museum of Photography
(located historic downtown Riverside)
3824 Main Street • Riverside, CA 92501

PARKING
City of Riverside parking garages 2 and 6 are closest to the museum.

BE OUR GUEST
Please register today, space is limited.

Event Schedule

Wednesday - November 5, 2025

Morning Session - Faith Leaders

Registration

9am - 9:30am

Welcome & Our Why?

Claudio Espino– Intro Credit.org & answer- “Why financial education/coaching?” (5 minutes)
Richard Sandoval, Intro Hispanic Lifestyle- “Why building generational wealth? /Homeownership & Estate Planning?” (5 minutes)
Melanie Steele, ISCHC- Intro to ISCHC & BankOn Coalition- “Why faith partners?” (5 minutes)

9:30am - 10am

Blessing: Dr. Joshua Beckley

Panel One: How to get started?

Goal: Discuss the initial steps A). Faith leaders know what the steps are B). What resources exist in the community, C). How to refer community members

Financial Coaching, Budgeting, Debt Management, Climb-

Claudio Espino, Credit.org

Banking Access

Jay Miller, BankOn Coalition Lead at ISCHC

Overview of access to safe banking.
Demonstrate Banking Tool– pick an attending church address and look up the nearest branch

10:00am

Panel Two: A Movement of Building Wealth

Goal: Amplify regional organizations who are helping build the financial resilience of their community.

Building Generations in a Church-
Building a Business- What is the impact on a family when they build a business?
Building Housing Stability – How do we help our counties become financial stable in this housing crisis

10:30AM- 11:05AM

Panel Three: Building and Retaining Generational Wealth

Goal: What is the impact of homeownership on a family and generations? How is this wealth retained?

Homeownership Month– What is the impact on a family who owns a home?, Home Mortgage Tools
Why homebuyer counseling- Melinda Opperman- Credit.org/ISCHC Board Member- How do you get started?
How do you get started buying a home? – How do you get started with buying a home? How long can it take? What tools can be used? Down payment assistance programs available?
Retaining Generational Wealth- Estate Planning, Why is it important? Where do you go for help?

11:05 AM - 11:45am

What is to come? Next Steps

Goal: What is the impact of homeownership on a family and generations? How is this wealth retained?

Homeownership Month –What is the impact on a family who owns a home?, Home Mortgage Tools
Why homebuyer counseling- Melinda Opperman- Credit.org/ISCHC Board Member- How do you get started?
How do you get started buying a home? – How do you get started with buying a home? How long can it take? What tools can be used? Down payment assistance programs available?
Retaining Generational Wealth- Estate Planning, Why is it important? Where do you go for help?

11:45AM - 12PM

Lunch and Small Resources Fair

12PM - 1PM

Wednesday - November 5, 2025

Afternoon Session - Community Stake Holders

Welcome & Why financial education and generational wealth matter.

Claudio Espino (Credit.org): Why financial education/coaching
Richard Sandoval (Hispanic Lifestyle): Why building generational wealth through homeownership & estate planning
Melanie Steele (ISCHC): Why this matters regionally, what happened with faith leaders in the morning, and how to join the movement.

2:00PM – 2:30PM

Panel One: What’s the Scoop - Understanding the Landscape 

Goal: Provide an overview of regional challenges and opportunities around financial access and community resources.

Jay Miller (ISCHC, BankOn Coalition Lead): Access to safe banking + demo of banking locator tool.
Pastors United : How faith coalitions support families with resources like food, utility support, and school supplies.

2:30PM – 3:00PM

Panel Two: Where is the Work Being Done – Spotlight on Solutions 

Goal: Amplify organizations already advancing financial resilience and generational wealth, and explore collaboration across sectors.

3:00PM - 3:45pm

Discussion: Closing & Survey

3:45PM - 4:00pm

Andres Chavez: Executive Director of the National Chavez Center

Sep 18, 2025 | Community

At just 31 years old, Andres Chavez has established himself as a respected nonprofit and civic leader, earning recognition as a strategic thinker, natural organizer, and trusted mobilizer. As Executive Director of the National Chavez Center, he oversees the arm of the Cesar Chavez Foundation dedicated to sharing his grandfather’s legacy and values across the nation.

University president Lynnette Zelezny described him as “a very strategic and brilliant thinker [and] a magnet [who] has that ability to bring people together.” Los Angeles Times columnist Gustavo Arellano noted that Chavez has “already made a name for himself in the Central Valley beyond his pedigree.”

Andres Chavez will be a featured speaker at the Rialto Unified School District’s 18th Annual Family Summit, taking place on Saturday, October 25, 2025, from 9:00 a.m. to 2:30 p.m. at W.A. Carter High School. The event will include community organizations, a College and Career Fair, and a series of family workshops.

Leadership and Impact

Chavez directs the Center’s strategic vision, daily operations, and partnerships while managing a staff of 30 and $25 million in assets. Under his leadership, the organization is advancing major initiatives, including:

Multi-year observances leading up to Cesar Chavez’s Centennial in 2027, expected to reach millions.
Establishing an archives and preservation unit to collect and protect historical assets tied to Chavez, the farm worker movement, and American history.
Operating a full-service conferencing and hospitality center in Keene, California.

As a partner with the National Park Service at the Cesar E. Chavez National Monument, Chavez has coordinated cultural events, community observances, and exhibits. His leadership has helped secure over $20 million in gifts and launched innovative collaborations with universities, nonprofits, businesses, and civic organizations nationwide.

Civic Engagement and Service

Chavez is frequently sought out for his insight and leadership on projects of national importance. He organized California’s largest mass COVID-19 vaccination clinic for farm workers, coordinated a visit there by First Lady Dr. Jill Biden, and worked closely with the White House. He also managed complex logistics for the United Farm Workers’ 2022 and 2025 marches, which together drew more than 15,000 participants.

Personal Background

A Kern County native, Chavez graduated magna cum laude from California State University, Bakersfield. Deeply engaged in civic, educational, and political affairs, he serves on prestigious boards and is an outspoken advocate for Latino causes, especially in spaces where Latinos continue to face systemic challenges.

Recently married, Chavez lives in Bakersfield with his wife, Elizabeth Chavez, a school psychologist.